There’s something very romantic about gliding down the side of a mountain on top of glistening white snow, one of the reasons, perhaps, why 1.5 million Brits choose to book a skiing holiday each year. Although any opportunity to take to the slopes is one we should be thankful for, there are times when we’re looking for something a little bit more special. Perhaps you are planning an engagement or are celebrating a big birthday with your significant other, whatever the reason, here are four ways in which you can make your skiing experience that little bit more memorable.
- Stay in a chalet
- Book an on-mountain dining experience
- Take an off-piste tour
- Book yourself in for a post-ski spa experience
If you’re heading to the Alpine region of Europe, then rather than staying in a conventional hotel, instead upgrade to a traditional chalet. Offering a bit more privacy, as well as often some of the most stunning mountainside views, a chalet is a perfect way to wind down after a day on the slopes. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from both self-catered and catered ski chalets in most major ski-regions, equipped with those little extra luxuries like outdoor hot-tubs and real log fires.
Although there will be plenty of places to eat in the towns, villages and resorts that lie at the base of most ski mountains, for something a little extra special, why not book an on-mountain dining experience and enjoy your dinner with a truly special mountain view. You may need to take a ski-lift up to your dinner reservation, but the extra effort will be worth it for a dining experience that you’ll never forget.
If you think gliding down a traditional ski-route is magical, wait until you have your first taste of fresh powder snow when skiing off-piste. Off-piste skiing is an amazing adventure but understandably a little more dangerous than following the set ski routes, and so if you’re new to it then it is always best to book a guide who can show you the best places to find your feet and will keep you out of trouble. When skiing off-piste, you will usually find yourself alone on the mountainside, which makes the perfect opportunity to take some magical photos or for the perfect snowy proposal.
Skiing is a full-body workout, and after a few days on the slopes, you’ll likely find yourself in need of a little TLC. Even if you’re choosing to stay in a chalet, you can usually book yourself into one of the local hotel spas for a spa experience like no other. Some ski-resort spas even incorporate an element of the outside into their treatments, be that an icy plunge pool or a steaming outdoor hot tub, so you can still enjoy views of the mountain while easing your aching muscles.
So there you have it, four things that you can do to make your next ski experience that little bit more memorable. Which one would you love to try?
Bonnie is always on the road with some amazing adventures ahead. Her favorite continent is South America and she’s passionate about culture-focused traveling and ethical and sustainable tourism. During her time in university as a research assistant for a sociology professor, she realized she can’t fully understand cultures from a safe distance. She quit her job to become a full-time “voluntourist,” which brings her to places where she can immerse in local communities and support their causes. On top of writing, one of Bonnie’s priorities is offering women advice on how to stay safe while solo backpacking.